Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has rejected a take-it-or-leave-it offer from the club in a huge boost to Liverpool’s chances of signing him, according to the Times.
The newspaper claims that the 23-year-old was presented with a contract extension which offered him a significant wage increase but he decided to decline as he is more focused on playing football rather than improving his personal terms.
The report claims that the youngster is prepared to see out the rest of his current contract at the Emirates Stadium and leave the club on a free transfer next summer.
It is said that the midfielder is interested in a move to fellow Premier League rivals Liverpool as he is eager to work with manager Jurgen Klopp who has improved attacking players such as Adam Lallana, Georgino Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane.
The Times report that Liverpool have made an approach to Arsenal for Oxlade-Chamberlain and that Klopp has made the Englishman one of his top priorities in the summer transfer window.
Klopp’s chances of landing the proven Premier League player this summer have now been considerably enhanced by this latest development.
The Times reports that Chamberlain is desperate to be selected for the England national team for next year’s World Cup in Russia and he is determined to secure a regular spot with a top side.
The Gunners reportedly value the midfielder at £25million but Chamberlain looks set to run down his contract at the club even though it could hinder his place in the first-team next season.
The England international only made 16 Premier League starts last season but he still managed to contribute with six goals and eleven assists in all competitions.
The midfielder’s contract at the Emirates Stadium expires at the end of next season.